Buses that operate out of bus terminals have been ranked seven times less likely to injure you in a bus accident in New York than the cheaper curbside buses.
A recent study from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) discovered just how dangerous these city-to-city buses are. It concluded that the fatal accident rate for curbside carriers was 1.4 per 100 vehicles. This rate was calculated using accident reports from January of 2005 to March of 2011, according to the New York Daily News.
“While many curbside bus carriers work to operate at the highest standard, for too long, some bad apples in the industry have played fast and loose with passenger safety,” Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.
Our New York City bus accident attorneys understand how beneficial these types of buses are for many residents and visitors throughout the state. Unfortunately, the convenience of these buses makes them harder to be stopped by safety officials for inspections. After the fatal accident we saw back in March in the Bronx, the one that killed 15 and injured another 18, U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Brooklyn) and Schumer called on the NTSB to conduct a six-month study into the busing industry to determine just how dangerous these passenger carriers are.
“Business and safety practices within the growing curbside bus industry create challenges for enforcement authorities and consumers alike when it comes to separating the safe operators from the unsafe operators,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman.
It’s obvious that safety recommendations and inspections have not been able to keep up with the growth and popularity of these buses. This report should serve as much-needed wake up call for transportation officials and passengers throughout the country. When people board a bus, they should feel safe and protected. With the recent string of fatal busing accidents, it’s hard to do that. The study helped to show exactly what transportation officials need to do to step up their enforcement efforts.
In the study, curbside carriers were classified as buses that operate on strict schedules and end and begin at specific locations other than bus terminals. These buses drop off passengers at a number of locations along their routes.
Key points of the study:
-Motorcoach travel has been deemed safe overall, but companies with less than 10 years of experience and with fewer than 10 buses have high accident rates and higher violation rates.
-From 2005 to March of 2011, there were 7 times more accidents among curbside buses than among conventional buses.
-Curbside buses experience far fewer inspections because they don’t operate out of traditional terminals. They’re harder to catch and to inspect considering the NTSB and the FMCSA conduct fewer enroute inspections.
-The FMCSA is understaffed for the required inspections. There are nearly 1,000 FMCSA inspection staffers who are required to look over nearly 770,000 motor carriers.
-Curbside carriers sell tickets through online bus brokers. The FMCSA does not regulate brokers and therefore cannot keep track of ticket sales.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, contact New York personal injury lawyer Nicholas Rose for legal advice. The Law Offices of Nicholas Rose is experienced in holding companies responsible for their negligence so call for a free consultation at 1-877-313-7673.
Additional Resources:
Safety of smaller, less experienced curbside bus operators assailed by Sen. Chuck Schumer and National Transportation Safety Board study, by Lore Croghan, NY Daily News
More Blog Entries:
Bus Safety Inspections ‘Too Little Too Late’ for Families Mourning After Recent Fatal New York Bus Accidents, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, July 23, 2011
Tour bus companies liable for hiring safe drivers to reduce risks of car and pedestrian accidents in Manhattan, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, May 17, 2011
